Monday, November 1, 2010

i am so very happy to announce that the bneato blog + website are now located in one spot! please follow this link to our new, happy home. it will be a few weeks before the pages are done but the blog is ready to go!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

i know most of you have heard of the 15 minute rule... and if you haven't, it goes like this. set a timer for 15 minutes and get as much stuff accomplished as possible. could be folding laundry, doing the dishes, making the bed (whatever will make you feel accomplished). but sometimes we forget to set aside a specific amount of time and let the day start and stop without ever doing any chores. here are a few ways to build the tasks into your routine without setting a timer.

accomplish tasks when... you're waiting for the water to boil

instead of fast forwarding through the commercials in TiVo, use this time to get 'er done

i love to saddle up my bluetooth headset and talk to family and friends while doing chores

clean out your purse while waiting for your car to get cleaned at the car wash

when the operator puts you on hold, pay bills, send letters, file papers

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

this to-do list comes from the computer of one marcia prentice. in addition to being a fellow apartment therapy blogger, she can be currently seen on the hgtv show, design school. (in my head, i always say 'design school' in tim gunn's voice).

"In my early teens, I started creating to-do lists and relying on a planner to get me though my day. I am the type who has to have everything organized and planned ahead of time. Throughout the years, I developed some tips to getting my tasks done more efficiently. Because I am on my computer most of the day, I decided to start putting my lists and schedule on Apple's electronic Stickies. To visually distinguish each day or different to-do list, I change the color of each Sticky note. I keep an overall to-do list for my personal life and for my Apartment Therapy posts. From my overall to-do lists I create a schedule and list for the next few days."

click to see larger

Overall To-Do Lists
Prioritize items with numbers
List every task no matter how small
Cross off item when finished

Daily Schedule/To-Do Lists
Keep the tasks to a reasonable amount
Schedule time for breaks and meals
Allot time slots for larger tasks
Leave an open time slot to complete many smaller tasks
Schedule e-mails and phone calls either first thing in the morning or in the evening
Update/Adjust to-do lists at the end of every day

"As we all know, we have the best intentions to cross off every item on our list. It is easy to get sidetracked with internet browsing, phone calls, and unexpected disruptions. My biggest challenge is to stay focused and not jump from task to task. I also want to complete the more enjoyable and easy items first; however, they may not be the highest priority. What helps me to stay focused is to schedule breaks; therefore, I have something to look forward to when I have to stay focused for hours. Staying efficient is very important to me and I am always looking for new and better ways to work."

Saturday, October 23, 2010

after dining at forage yesterday for lunch, i skipped over to the spice station since i hadn't been there since its opening last year. the shop owner was nice enough to let me snap one pic of the ginormous spice wall (made from reclaimed wood). i'm in love with the uniformity of the space and the rows of glass jars filled with fragrant spices. the combo of the dark wood in the cozy spot + the smell of spices made for the most fall-like atmosphere (love)!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

i actually found this packet of clear note tabs in one of my unused binders (old schwag from the 2010 organizing awards). so i decided to put them to use in my one notebook that holds my daily to-do list. and while i update it every day, there are always a handful of items that don't require immediate attention but need to stay up front and center (otherwise, i'll forget about them). it is also important to note that these special tasks are always separated from my daily duties. so instead of re-writing them every day on the page, the clear post-it acts as a landing zone for these future items which i can move around with ease.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

fear controls a lot of what we do in our lives. if we're afraid we won't be able to excel at something, we might not start the project altogether. i recently encountered a whole bunch of fear when i had to learn a new song for kissing cousins. i briefly spoke about it here but i really had no idea what i was getting into. i was honestly really scared that i wasn't going to be able to get this song down pat. i kept practicing and it just wasn't coming along. it was only about 3-4 weeks in that the parts started to gel and sound decent. and slowly, i noticed my fear wasn't as present and confidence took its place. i jotted down some of my initial thoughts and feelings that i experienced when i was first introduced my most challenging song as a drummer. for me, it's so interesting to look back at the journey and recognize the fear signals. so the next time when i'm presented with what seems like an insurmountable task, i can remember what i went through and gain a little control and peace from within.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

so the beau's rear blinker hasn't been working which means he was at risk for a fix-it ticket (no bueno). since i've changed my own cars headlights and tail lights before, i figured this would be an easy fix--and it was. after giving auto zone $6, the new blinker works like new. high five!

Monday, October 18, 2010

melly kay (from cute stew) shows off her craft room--i've seen peg board used to organize tools and kitchenware but i'm loving this idea to keep acrylic paints and supplies orderly and easy to access. melly kay also shares peg board how-to here for creating your own at home.

Friday, October 15, 2010

i recently learned of another free shredding event in the los angeles area--west hollywood to be exact. the event isn't until saturday, november 13th but i'm telling you in advance so you can plan for it! in addition to shredding services from 9am - 3pm they are collecting electronic waste--you know your laptop from the early aughts is still sitting in your closet (just saying). full deets found here.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

this brand new app is for just about anybody but i really think it's great for those of us in business who network. instead of exchanging business cards that eventually get lost, connect virtually and grab contact info instantly. once you download the free app, add any contact info that you'd feel safe sharing. the next time you're at an event and you're about to share information with another smart phone, simply bump your hand to theirs (while holding your phones). radical!